Soft Ginger Cookies With Orange Glaze

Soft Ginger Cookies With Orange Glaze Recipe | Delicious Cookies

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 9 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Soft ginger cookies with orange glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warm, spicy flavors of ginger with the bright citrusy notes of orange. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving a sweet and tangy treat.

History

Ginger cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in different cultures around the world. The addition of orange glaze adds a modern twist to this classic cookie, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Ingredients

Cookie

1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp baking soda
0.75 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup dark molasses
2 eggs
3.75 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp grated nutmeg
0.5 tsp ground allspice
0.5 tsp ground cloves

Glaze

2 cup + 1 tbsp confectioner's sugar
1 tbsp softened butter
0.25 cup orange juice
2 tsp grated orange zest
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 dash salt

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and baking soda and set aside. They will foam up.
In a larger bowl, combine oil, sugar, molasses, and eggs. Beat until well mixed (about 1 minute). Add the buttermilk mixture and blend.
Sift together the dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Drop the batter by heaping tablespoons onto an oiled cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until the top springs back when touched with your finger. Do not overbake. The cookies should be quite soft.
While the cookies are baking, combine the glaze ingredients. Remove the cookies to a wax paper-lined wire rack. Frost each cookie with 0.5 tsp of glaze while they are still warm. Let them cool completely.
Transfer the cookies to trays and place them in the freezer to completely set if necessary or to freeze for storage. Once frozen, pack them in tins in single layers separated by wax paper. These cookies freeze well.

Variations

Add chopped crystallized ginger to the cookie dough for extra ginger flavor.
Substitute lemon zest for the orange zest in the glaze for a different citrus twist.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor in these cookies.

- Don't overbake the cookies - they should be soft and chewy.

- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting them with the orange glaze.

- For a more intense orange flavor, add more orange zest to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the cookie dough stand for 15 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to meld.

- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough for evenly sized cookies.

- Frost the cookies while they are still warm to allow the glaze to set.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe.

- If you don't have dark molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute.

- Feel free to use your favorite spices in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

These cookies freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter and garnish with orange slices for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These cookies pair well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you freeze them, be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these soft ginger cookies with orange glaze contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

These cookies contain eggs and wheat.

Summary

These soft ginger cookies with orange glaze are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide a small amount of protein.

Summary

Soft ginger cookies with orange glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warm, spicy flavors of ginger with the bright citrusy notes of orange. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the ways of the kitchen. My dear friend Margaret had invited me over to her house for tea, and as we sat sipping our steaming cups, she suddenly disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a plate of the most delicious looking cookies I had ever seen.

"Soft ginger cookies with orange glaze," she said with a smile, placing one on a saucer in front of me. "My grandmother's recipe. Would you like to try one?"

I eagerly took a bite, and as the sweet and spicy flavors danced on my tongue, I knew that I had to learn how to make these cookies myself. Margaret graciously agreed to teach me, and we spent the afternoon measuring out ingredients, mixing them together, and rolling the dough into perfect little balls.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the warm scent of ginger filled Margaret's cozy kitchen, and I knew that I had found a new favorite treat. When the cookies emerged golden and soft, we drizzled them with a bright orange glaze that added just the right amount of citrusy sweetness.

From that day on, soft ginger cookies with orange glaze became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy afternoons. The recipe was a hit every time, and I loved sharing the story of how I had first discovered it with anyone who would listen.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to Margaret's original recipe, adding a bit more ginger here, a touch of vanilla there. I have also passed it down to my own children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with the soft, chewy texture and zesty glaze of these cookies.

But no matter how many times I make them, the memory of that first time I tasted Margaret's soft ginger cookies with orange glaze will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the beginning of my culinary journey, a journey that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years.

And so, as I mix together another batch of these beloved cookies, I can't help but smile and think of Margaret, and how her simple act of sharing a recipe with me all those years ago set me on a path to becoming the baker I am today. The kitchen will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the delicious memories and friendships that have come from it.